SH1 Papakura to Bombay


	November 2019


	SH1 Papakura to Bombay Project update


	State Highway 1 from Otuwairoa (Slippery Creek)

	Responding to growth The SH1 Papakura to Bombay project is the first of a number of projects that have been developed to support growth in population, housing and employment in the south of Auckland where about 5000 hectares of land have been identified for urban development. This multi-modal project will provide for a new shared walking and cycling path on the northbound side, extending the path currently being built between the Takanini and Papakura Interchanges. The path will connect to communities on either side of the motorway, at interchanges and with local roads along the route. The project will also future-proof wide shoulders for public transport services as well as providing an additional lane in each direction. Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (the Transport Agency) is also investigating the use of this additional lane to prioritise for high occupancy vehicles, ride sharing, freight etc. In addition, the project will include improvements to the Drury Interchange to allow for rail electrification and potential additional rail lines, and provide for a future new motorway interchange between Drury and Ramarama. The Papakura to Bombay project will deliver these multi-modal upgrades to the motorway between Papakura and Drury as a priority. The consents needed for works within the existing motorway designation are likely to be lodged with Auckland Council before the end of this year, and construction is expected to start late next year. Future upgrades south of Drury will be built in the longer term, in line with population growth projections and changing land use in new growth areas.

Environment

The project aims to not only minimise environmental effects, but also enhance the environmental outcomes for the local area.

Ecological surveys are underway to better understand the environment the highway travels through, including waterways such as Otuwairoa (Slippery Creek) and the surrounding coastal marine area.

The project will ensure stormwater runoff is treated to improve local water quality. It’s planned to store and treat stormwater, including the use of swales which are a natural and effective way to filter water. Swales are more sustainable, requiring less maintenance, thereby reducing ongoing costs.

Property

The Transport Agency has met with all landowners whose property may be potentially affected by the construction of the first stage of the project between Papakura and Drury. Contact has also been made with those between Drury and Bombay who may be affected by plans to protect land for future improvements. Work is continuing on the design, which will look to minimise the need to acquire private property.

The additional land needed between Papakura and Drury will be clarified by mid 2020 and, for the area south of Drury, property requirements will be better understood by the end of 2020. The Transport Agency will be staying in touch with landowners through this process.


	First Gas compound at Papakura

	Working with others Work is underway with utility companies to identify and understand their current infrastructure, so fibre optic cables, gas and water pipes and the other services critical to modern life can be designed around and avoided during construction as far as possible. This will minimise the potential of disruption and inconvenience to customers. The Transport Agency is also working to co-ordinate the Papakura to Bombay project with any improvements the utility providers are planning as a way of minimising construction disruption. As an example, discussions are underway with Watercare about the inclusion of a new water pipe across the Park Estate bridge when the bridge is rebuilt.


	Site visit with Mana Whenua at Otuwairoa (Slippery Creek)

	Partnering with Iwi The Transport Agency recognises Mana Whenua as Treaty of Waitangi partners on the Papakura to Bombay project. This partnership is actioned through the Southern Iwi Integration Group where the project team meets monthly with representatives from Ngāti Tamaoho, Te Ahiwaru, Ngāti Whanaunga, Ngāti Maru,Te Ākitai Waiohua, Ngāi Tai ki Tamaki and Ngāti Te Ata. Mana Whenua work with the team to ensure the project outcomes consider Māori values including protection of the environment, an acknowledgment of the area’s history and benefits for those yet to come. The partnership has already highlighted the original names for places affected by the project such as Pukewhau, currently known as Bombay, and Otuwairoa (or Slippery Creek) which is adjacent to the formerly inhabited Opāheke pā. The team will continue to work with Mana Whenua through the duration of the project, looking for mutually positive outcomes.

Keeping everyone safe

Safety is at the forefront of thinking for the Papakura to Bombay project team. This includes safety in how we design the project, while thinking of those who will build it, the people who will travel through it, and those whose job it will be to maintain the highway in the future.

An early part of the project is geotechnical investigations to better understand ground conditions which vary across the project, from sandstone to peat and marshland. You can help by watching your speed and keeping eyes on the road when travelling through work areas.

Another key part of understanding the highway and the adjacent environment involves extensive surveying. The team has used car-mounted cameras that provide greater accuracy at a lower cost and are much safer than having people on the highway. This method also means less disruption to motorways and traffic flow while the surveying is in progress.

The Transport Agency is also investigating the quality of the existing roadway, its surface and sub-structures, to better understand its remaining lifespan. The information gained will help with pavement surfacing decisions so we can increase the time before the road needs to be resurfaced again, increasing driver safety and minimising future disruption.

The alignment of the highway is also being looked at to see if it can be made straighter and safer during work on the Papakura to Drury section.

Meet some of the team

(Photo from left: Makere, Helen, Jenni, David)

Among those working on the project are some with a more personal interest in its success.

Jenni Wild, the Transport Agency’s key engagement and partnership lead for the project, has lived in parts of Franklin (currently Pukekohe) for over 25 years and regularly travels on the highway. She was formerly with Auckland Transport liaising with and assisting elected members in the Franklin, Papakura and Manurewa areas.

Jenni is supported by communications coordinator Makere Carroll from Aurecon, the Transport Agency’s technical support team. Makere, who grew up in Papakura and now lives in Takanini, takes the train to work.

Also from Pukekohe is third generation resident David Hughes. David is Aurecon’s land infrastructure director who has a focus on water quality management. He is an active supporter of Franklin sports teams and is often spotted on the sidelines supporting his children.

David is joined by Aurecon’s Helen Mclean who leads the environment and planning workstream. Helen has lived in Hunua for 17 years where her family live on a lifestyle block and her children have attended local rural schools.

Next steps

Late 2019

Consents lodged for works within existing designation from Papakura to Drury.

First half 2020

Further landowner and community engagement
Tender for construction of works within existing designation from Papakura to Drury.

Second half 2020

Construction contract awarded and work starts within existing designation
Planning applications lodged for an alteration to designation and consents for work within this new area from Papakura to Drury
Landowner and community engagement.

2021

Planning applications lodged for alteration to designation from Drury to Bombay.


	More information


	For more information on the SH1 Papakura to Bombay project, contact us at p2b@nzta.govt.nz or on Freephone 0800 SH1 P2B (0800 741 722) Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/p2b

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